Visiting Others 4

Dinner came.

Seared steak, with asparagus and garlic pasta suited me well. I have eaten in many a place and many a cuisine. But I prefer the basics. I was not disappointed.

Of course, she knew what I liked. At least she thought she did.

Through the meal, I couldn't get over the feeling I was being fattened up as it were, though I'm quite fit. Perhaps bribery came closer. What was she hunting for?

'Yes, I love to hunt. I live to hunt', she oddly answered as that thought crossed my mind.

'So do I', and I smiled at the purpose that brought me this far on this journey.

Simple enough, yet much effort.

'It might be fun to try our skills later', she added as I remembered her invitation to swordplay.

'I have no time for such diversions, my Lady. I appreciate your hospitality, but I must be soon on my Way.'

She frowned and puckered a little.

'We'll see',she smiled.

It was a face accustomed to smiling. About what was the question.

The light around it, golden and beguilingly soft, flared suddenly as the questions began.

'May I ask what is so compelling that you could not spend some time with me?' That last caused what seemed to be a flash that reached out like a solar flare.

'I am on a Path seeking Light.' Succinct but pleasant, I remained composed.

'Ah, she arched an eyebrow, 'Perhaps I can help you. We have a supply here. Stay and see.' She leaned back and poised a foot under another, slightly twitching up and down, to and fro.

'Sorry dear Lady, but the Light I seek is on the road. It is found in motion and intent.' My gaze was strong and I did not take my eyes off her. All the time, as well, I kept my peripheral vision in full motion.

'Another drink?' She was ready to profer the drink tray herself.

'No thanks. I needn't get sleepy. I must stay sharp, for there are things which contest me.' I shifted so that I might spring up.

'At least some dessert? We have many treats to tempt you.' That smile again like the glow of a fireplace.

'No thanks, for I must shortly go.' I felt the need to scan my back.

'At least a small cigar and coffee? Then I will walk you to the Path myself.'

I regarded her and my eyes narrowed.
'Alright.'

The butler proferred a small case with old patterns imbued on the sides. I selected a small post prandial smoke that, when lit, smelled like a Danish brand I used to smoke when I was much younger.

The coffee was good and strong. Reminded me of the coffee my Mom would make on Sundays for brunch. And I might need it for the next leg of the journey.

'So, Michael, you seek knowledge. We have that here too. And the added benefit', she leaned forward, no one will disturb you. You can take your time. Study what you will. Come, take a peek at our library. We aim to please', she smiled, rose and held out her hand.

Call me a fool, but I took it. Her touch was now quite soft but vibrant. It caused a tingle in my throat. My other hand remained on my Sword's hilt.

A connecting door in the panelled wall behind her opened automatically and we stepped through to what could only be described as the largest private collection of books and artifacts I had ever seen.

It was several stories high and covered three walls. The other was a window looking out on the oppostie direction from which I had come.

'What does your heart desire? Are there specifics? Do you wish erudition and do you crave skills to match?. More and more learning about the visible and invisible. You could stay here forever searching and I would take care of you.

Recreation? We have so many forms and diversions. I'd be willing to show you...myself.'

She leaned up and kissed me. It was a rush of sensation, like a thousand beating wings, like a warm night in from the cold. It coursed through my bidy like fine drink, both exciting and dizzying.

I wavered and quivered. I could see and feel what she was saying. I COULD stay there. And those many doors upstairs, any desire I could imagine.......

NO!

Like Odysseus and Circe or Prospero imprisoned and imprisoning I could waste myself in a circular race to slavery. There would be no end to the inward turning, til I was lost in a maze of self. Looking inside, but never going out again.

I broke the embrace off still gently and shook my head.

'Dear Lucia, my journey MUST go outward. It starts within but must reach out or all is lost.'

'Very well. The clothes you wore here await you. Change quickly and I will take you to the Path.'

Her eyes were slits yet I was surprised how easily she acquiesced.

Back at the room, I transferred the contents of my pockets back to my travelling wear and the Sword was ready at my side.

At the bottom of the stairs, she beckoned me, ready.

She took me to a door which lead to the causeway on the other side of the great house.

'Come, Michael. I will take you as far as I can.'

She led off and the way was well lit, but quickly faded at the opposing causeway.

'Here is where I leave you. Once over the causeway, there is no more protection. You will be prey to whatever is biding it's time, for time will be your enemy.
Good and evil will continue the battle for you. There will be no quarter. You have made your choice. Now, goodbye.'

She waved me off like discarding a vestment.

I turned my back, spurning for good her prideful trap.

I did not look back til I was at the ingress to the Path.

The light from the house had dimmed and when I looked, it was no longer there. All that remained was the ruins of of a hunter's shack, like a live coal that had died out.

Turning back, the only light again from my Sword, I pressed on.